For Library Patrons
What is Interlibrary Loan?
Interlibrary Loan (ILL) is a service we provide when a patron wants a book
we don't own. We borrow the book from a lending library for an amount
of time specified by that library, call you when it arrives in the mail,
and mail it back to the lending library when you return it to us.
Who can use the ILL service at the South Burlington Community
Library?
Only South Burlington residents can place ILL requests. If you are a patron
of the South Burlington Library but do not live in South Burlington (i.e. you
are a "homecard" patron or non-resident patron), please request ILL books from your home library.
How do I know when I need to use ILL?
South Burlington residents can check our
catalog to determine if we own the book. If we don't, call us with your ILL request or
drop by the library to fill in a form yourself. If you choose, you can try
calling around first to other homecard libraries near you (pick up a list of
phone numbers at the SBCL) to see if they own the book. You will need to
pick the book up from and drop it off at that library, but it will save you
time, since ILL involves using the mail.
Can I call in my ILL request?
Yes. Have the following information ready: title, author's full name, and
date of publication. These can be obtained from Amazon or
Barnes and Noble.
When is the library unable to fill an ILL request?
When the book's date of publication is less than six months ago. Libraries
generally don't lend out recently published books. Please delay submitting
your ILL request until the book is at least six months old. In the meantime,
you can submit a green "Reserve/Request" form asking us to buy the book for
the SBCL collection.
How many ILL requests can I make at once?
Each patron can have a maximum of 3 active requests at one time (including
ILL books currently held by patron and ILL requests on order).
Can I request a journal or magazine article through ILL?
Of course. Please have at hand the journal/magazine's title, volume, number,
and pages of the article. The photocopy or printout of the article is yours
to keep.
Can I request audio/visual materials like books on CD
and DVDs?
You are able to borrow books on CD and videos. (Children
videos excluded). Students
may borrow videos for instructional or educational use only.
DVDs may not be requested.
How long does it take for my ILL request to be processed?
If the book can be borrowed from a library in Vermont, it will take 1-2
weeks, sometimes a bit less or a bit more. If the book needs to be
borrowed from out of state, it will take considerably longer, sometimes
6 weeks or more. A librarian will call and ask you if you want us to
borrow it from out of state, because it takes so long.
Why is my ILL request taking so long?
There are a number of possibilities: the lending library may not check
its email very often; the book may be checked out at the lending library
and we are waiting for it to come back; the lending library might discover
after a search that its copy of the requested book is missing; the lending
library may decide not to lend because the book is so new to their
collection or too popular with its own patrons; the book may be catalogued
at the lending library as a reference item that does not circulate. In any
of these circumstances, another request has to be sent to a different library,
which takes more time.
What do the ILL librarians most appreciate?
We appreciate it when you call and let us know if you have found or
bought the book yourself since you put in the ILL request, or if you
have decided in the meantime that you do not need it.
Does it cost me anything to place an ILL request?
No. However, we do appreciate voluntary donations of $3 per item, since
it is an expense for us to mail it back to the lending library. Patrons who request an item through ILL and fail to pick it up upon notification by a Library staff member, will be assessed a $3 fee for each unclaimed item.
Can I renew ILL books?
It is up to the lending library. Please call and ask us to renew, and
we will call you back with their answer. Please ask to renew before the
item is due, so that you don't incur a late fee.
What fines or fees are incurred if I don't return my ILL book on
time?
The same $2 fine that is levied with our own books if they are returned late.
Patrons who request an item through ILL and fail to pick it up upon notification by a Library staff member, will be assessed a $3 fee for each unclaimed item.
For Vermont Libraries
What can be borrowed from SBCL through ILL?
Books more than six months old; books on tape; videos.
What cannot be borrowed?
DVDs.
What is SBCL's loan period?
A month plus five days (to accommodate mailing time).
Can items borrowed from SBCL be renewed?
Yes. Just email us at soburlington@vals.state.vt.us.
Who is responsible for items borrowed from SBCL?
The borrowing library, which will be fined if our book is lost (late fees are
waived).
Which ILL codes does SBCL comply with?
Both the Vermont ILL Code (Vermont Library Association) and the US ILL
Code (American Library Association).
What ILL system does SBCL use?
The Vermont Department of Libraries system, through the VALS online Web2
catalogue.
Can multiple copies of a title be borrowed for book discussion groups?
Yes. Please see information for borrowing multiple copies on our Book Tips page.
For Out-of-State Libraries
Which ILL system does SBCL use for out-of-state requests,
both submitted and received?
The ALA
system. However, we send our forms as attachments to an
email, since we do not have a fax machine.
Does the SBCL loan to libraries outside the US?
No.
Does SBCL accept faxed requests?
No. We do
not have a fax machine.
Are there items SBCL will not loan?
DVDs.
How long does it take for SBCL to process a request
About 1
week.
Which ILL codes does SBCL comply with?
Both the
Vermont ILL Code (Vermont Library Association) and the US
ILL Code (American Library Association)
Can multiple copies of a title be borrowed for book discussion groups?
Yes. Please see information for borrowing multiple copies on our Book Tips page.
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